Menu
If I Had Known… by Claire Monroe
If I had truly understood the depths of sleep deprivation before embarking on motherhood…
If I had grasped the extent of bodily fluids I would be cleaning up throughout my children’s lives…
If I had known how the endless repetition of “Mom? Mom? Mom?” could test my patience over the years…
If I had known that I would sometimes linger longer in the bathroom, seeking a brief moment of solitude…
If I had known those precious moments would often be interrupted by little hands knocking on the door…
If I had known how frequently I would find myself repeating directions and corrections endlessly…
If I had known that all the so-called expert solutions for whining, crying, and defiance would often fall flat…
If I had known that loving my children doesn’t mean I would always like them…
If I had known that I would shed tears in the shower because there was no other escape…
If I had known I would feel so touched-out by day’s end that intimacy with my husband would feel unappealing…
If I had known that my ability to concentrate would be forever altered…
If I had known that parenting wouldn’t necessarily get easier with age, just shift in difficulty…
If I had known I would feel a lingering fear of failing at motherhood each day…
If I had known how demanding parenting could be…
I still would have chosen to have children.
Because if I hadn’t, I would miss the miracle of watching a tiny speck develop into a full person within me.
I would miss the heavenly scent of a newborn’s head.
I would miss the enchanting moments of cradling a baby who falls asleep in my arms, reluctant to let go.
I would miss the indescribable joy of witnessing my child walk, use the potty, ride a bike, or read a book for the first time.
I would miss how my child’s laughter can brighten the darkest days.
I would miss the way an innocent, wide-eyed gaze can completely melt my heart.
I would miss watching the beautiful unfolding of the person I helped bring into the world.
I would miss the pride in seeing my children tackle challenges using the skills and values I’ve instilled in them.
I would miss the sheer joy of watching my children succeed.
I would miss the unexpected grace found in the struggle of striving to be a better parent.
I would miss how parenting my own kids could help mend my own childhood wounds.
I would miss discovering a deeper, more authentic version of myself through motherhood.
I would miss the sweet embrace of a love that only a mother knows.
I would miss the fierce, raw power of that unique maternal love.
And I would miss the realization that the challenges of this path are ultimately outweighed by the beauty, joy, and wonder it brings.
If I had known the reality of motherhood, I would have done it all again (though I would have definitely slept more when I had the chance!).
For more insights on family planning, you can explore this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re looking for the right tools, check out this authority on home insemination kits.
Summary:
Navigating motherhood can be a whirlwind of challenges, from sleepless nights to the emotional rollercoaster of parenting. While the journey can be overwhelming, the incredible joys and milestones that come with raising children far outweigh the struggles. Embracing the chaos and the love that fills our lives is what truly makes motherhood worthwhile.